Nose Stuck in a Book:

Here Reality Fades and the Narrative Reigns Supreme

Do you love the glorious feeling of being nose-deep in a book? where the world fades away, replaced by fantastical landscapes, heart-wrenching romances, or mind-bending mysteries. For us book lovers, getting lost in a good book is a superpower – and this post is our ode to that glorious escape!

A good book isn't just about the words on the page – it's an immersive experience that engages multiple senses. The satisfying crinkle of turning a new page, the weight of the book in our hands, the faint scent of aged paper (or the fresh ink of a new release). A well-crafted book can transport us not just mentally, but viscerally, to the heart of the narrative.

My Journey: From Concerts and Cinema to the Book Stores

Life is getting hard... ahm I mean adulting😫, and that too in a desi household where nobody knows no privacy. Here finding a quiet corner can feel like winning the lottery. It is not until I graduated, and found myself in the middle of book lovers' society. But then, something unexpected happened.  I fell in love with reading.

Don't get me wrong, growing up in Lahore, I wasn't a complete book-avoider. We all devoured the enchanted tale of Mr. Chips (Pun intended) and the soulful poetry of Jaun Elia, Mirza Ghalib, and Faiz Ahmed Faiz in school. But beyond the curriculum, books felt like a foreign land, a place I wasn't quite welcome. 

Fast forwarding, in order to get away from medical field, I choose arts and that too, English Literature. That is where my curiosity was piqued. I wandered into the world of Emily Bronte, Jane Austen, Sylvia Plath, and Emily Dickinson. Yep, all the girls' squad.

Turning the Page on My Perceptions: What Books Taught Me

Book after book, I discovered new worlds, met fascinating characters, and learned about everything from the intricacies of astrophysics (okay, maybe not everything) to the history of literature. Reading became my escape, my portal to a thousand adventures, all from the comfort of my favourite armchair (or sometimes, even under a shady tree at Model Town Park).

The impact of reading transcended mere entertainment.  Books sparked my curiosity about the world around me, making me appreciate the rich tapestry of cultures and experiences.  Even my love for Lahore deepened (a special thanks to Nemrah Ahmad). Most importantly, books taught me the power of empathy. Stepping into the shoes of fictional characters, I gained a deeper understanding of human emotions and experiences, fostering a sense of connection with people far beyond the walls of my city.

Fuel Your Book Addiction: Some good beginner friendly recommendations

For the die-hard Romantics: Apart from Umera Ahmed, Nemrah Ahmad, and Sumera Hameed. The world of Sarah Adams is my favourite. Emily Henry, Chistina Lauren and Abby Jiminez are an option as well.

For the Fantasy Fanatic: Lose yourself in the sprawling series of Cassandra Clasre, immerse yourself in the Shatter Me series by Tahera Mafi, or delve into the hauntingly beautiful world of Neil Gaiman's graphic novels.

For the Mystery Maven: Channel your inner detective with the classic whodunits of Agatha Christie, and Nancy Drew. Test your logic with the enigmatic murder case of Truly Devious, and A Good Girl's Guide to Murder. or unravel the secrets of The Inheritance Games.

For the Historical Fiction Buff: Step back in time with the captivating fiction of Khalid Hosseni's Kite Runner, and A Thousand Splendid Suns, experience the horrors of WW2 with A Book Thief and All the Lights We Cannot See, or be transported to colonial Nigeria in Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's Half of a Yellow Sun.

For the Science Fiction Seeker: Explore the vastness of space with A Beginner's Guide to Galaxy, grapple with the ethics of biotechnology in Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale, or embark on a mind-bending journey through parallel universes with N.K. Jemisin's Broken Earth trilogy.

Bonus Tip: Feeling overwhelmed by choice? Ask me for recommendations I am always eager to guide you on your reading adventure.